Lake Washington Boulevard Park

A Waterfront Location Along Lake Washington

Lake Washington Boulevard Park stretches like a ribbon along the eastern shore of Lake Washington in Seattle. This 8-mile linear park winds from the Washington Park Arboretum in the north all the way down to Seward Park in the south. As you travel along this scenic route, you'll be treated to stunning lake views, pockets of lush rainforest, open meadows, and on clear days, the majestic Cascade mountains creating a fantastic backdrop.

The park's story goes back to 1903 when the Olmsted Brothers included it in their grand vision for Seattle's parks. They imagined the boulevard as a pleasure drive connecting waterfront parks, and that's exactly what it became. The road curves naturally with the landscape, sometimes hugging the shoreline, other times climbing to offer spectacular elevated views.

Get Moving or Just Relax

Whether you're looking to break a sweat or simply unwind, this park has plenty of options. The boulevard is a popular corridor for locals and visitors alike. You'll see people walking their dogs, joggers getting their miles in, cyclists enjoying the scenery, and drivers taking the scenic route.

One of the coolest features happens on select days during the year when parts of the boulevard transform into bicycle weekends. During these special times, cars are not allowed, giving the space over to pedestrians and cyclists. The space feels remarkably different without traffic - definitely worth planning a visit around if you can.

What You'll Find Along the Way

As you explore the boulevard, you'll discover various amenities scattered along the route. Restrooms are available at certain locations (though not everywhere, so plan accordingly). If picnicking is your thing, you'll find both designated areas and plenty of open spaces where you can spread out a blanket with the lake as your dining backdrop.

Convenient parking lots appear at multiple points along the boulevard, making it easy to access different sections of the park. These lots serve as perfect jumping-off points for lakeside strolls or visits to nearby attractions.

The Trail Experience

The paths along Lake Washington Boulevard offer beautiful views and welcome shade from mature trees. Just a heads-up: some sections have become a bit uneven due to tree roots pushing up the pavement. While this adds character, it might require a bit more attention if you're on wheels.

During busy times, the narrower sections of the boulevard can get a bit crowded with both cars and bikes sharing the space. There are plans to address this in the future by creating more dedicated areas for different users.

A Network of Green Spaces

One of the best things about Lake Washington Boulevard Park is how it connects to other green spaces. As you travel along the route, you can easily detour to Mount Baker Beach, Colman Park, Frink Park, Leschi Park, and Madrona Park. These connected spaces offer even more amenities, including playgrounds at various points along the way.

The boulevard also provides numerous beach access points, so you can dip your toes in the water or launch a kayak. If you're into rowing, check out the Mount Baker Rowing Center which is also connected to the boulevard.

Bring Your Four-Legged Friends

Dog owners, rejoice! Your leashed pets are welcome throughout the park. Just remember to bring bags and clean up after them so everyone can enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Looking Ahead

The boulevard is continually evolving. Recent years have seen efforts to make it safer and more accessible for everyone. Future improvements include traffic calming measures, better pedestrian crossings, wider paths for cyclists and walkers, and improved connections to surrounding neighborhoods.